Tuesday, February 22, 2011 - Cautious Prayers

     I stopped praying for our house to sell today because I kept thinking about people I know who've received what they prayed for only to lose something valuable. For instance, the wealthy couple who built a mansion on the water but the stress of the project broke through their characters and led to divorce. They never lived in their "answered prayer" together. Another couple prayed for a baby for more than a decade and within two years of their child's birth they were divorced. A man and his wife became active in the church and choir and requested we pray for a job for him. We did and he started his own business to which he dedicated his Sundays and we never saw them again. Finally, we've all heard nightmare stories of people who destroyed themselves with sudden wealth. We pray for things beyond our character to handle and push God to give us what we think we need when we're not spiritually mature enough to keep the blessing in perspective. Sometimes we're not ready to be blessed.

"If our hopes are being disappointed just now, it means that they are being purified. There is nothing noble the human mind has ever hoped for or dreamed of that will not be fulfilled. One of the greatest strains in life is the strain of waiting for God." (Chambers)

Yes, we're to pray continually,

"Pray continually." (1 Thess. 5:17)

but those continuous prayers should be rooted in God's character and exalt Him, not our own desires.

"Be still and know that I am God;

I will be exalted among the nations,

I will be exalted in the earth."

Psalm 46:10

     When we pray for what honors the Name of Jesus, we don't have to worry about getting what we asked for and regretting it. Prayers prayed in Jesus' character and Name don't come back to bite us. They complete our joy.

"Until now you have not asked for anything in My Name.

Ask and you will receive and your joy will be complete."

John 16:24

     I've decided God will sell our house and relieve our financial situation when He knows it won't hurt us to do so. My new prayer about the house is:

As the God of our future, You know what's best. Do what You want with the house but please don't sell it until we're spiritually prepared for it to sell. Reveal Your heart to us so we know how to pray in Your character and Name. We can't see all the intricate details and consequences of getting what we think we want or need. Help us think outside the box and give You the credit and honor You deserve for masterful timing and a Love that will not let us go. May we hold on to You before, during and after You fulfill all You have in mind for us.

In the Name of Jesus Whose Name means "God is our Salvation" 

Inspired by My Highest for His Utmost and Jesus Calling 
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